ATWOOD, Tenn. — Community members, students and faculty all gathered on Saturday, April 18, at the West Carroll Junior Senior High School for their Spring Showcase. Featuring fundraisers like a plant sale, pageant, art show, and vendor market with food from Perry’s BBQ and Catering, there was something everyone could enjoy as a family. By holding these events on the same day, WCSSD helped ensure increased community engagement and financial success for all participants.
PLANT SALE
To support local agricultural education, create opportunities for student growth and increase participation in contests and leadership camps, West Carroll’s FFA chapter relies on its annual plant sale as a key fundraiser.
For most of the day, students sold swaths of hanging baskets, vegetable starters, and bedding plants. A silent auction also gave everyone a chance to win specialty plants at a fraction of their retail price. Chapter Advisor Noah Rogers has spoken about the recent successes of FFA’s program.
Preparation begins in September of the previous year, when students plant ferns and select flowering plants to grow. They also seed all their vegetable plants, such as tomatoes and bell peppers. Plugs are transported into their pots in February and finished in time to sell in April. Most of their flowering plants are purchased from Westel Greenhouse in Rockwood, TN.
In partnership with Carroll Farmers Co-Op, several hanging baskets were available until they sold out, and the rest were purchased by The Farm Stand Plus in Bradford. Funds raised help cut out-of-pocket student costs by half and are also used for on-campus labs and activities. Several other plants will be available for sale in the greenhouse for a limited time.
PAGEANT
Another yearly tradition, the West Carroll Band’s Miss Spring Queen and Miss Spring Princess pageant, aims to teach girls confidence, public speaking skills and other invaluable life lessons while helping continue funding the many competitions, parades and trips the band takes throughout the year. Parents and guardians gathered to watch their children take the stage, each contestant excited to participate.
Miss Martin Iris Teen Volunteer, Ava Grace Gordon, helped present each contestant, and Jasmine Dodd, an 8th-grade student, demonstrated poise and elegance as she escorted younger contestants across the stage.
Contestants were in categories from 0 years to 21 years, with the winners qualifying to compete at the Strawberry Festival Pageant. Sides included best dressed, best model, prettiest hair and prettiest smile.
ART SHOW
For the showcase, the library was transformed into a proper art gallery, displaying the talents of the students involved through their vivid pieces.
Although art teacher Cailynn Smith is only a second-year teacher, her passion for teaching drives her to build a fun, educational program.
Students were allowed to choose what works were featured, with various paintings, sketches and other ceramics demonstrating their understanding of the themes and prompts given throughout their class time.
“This event helps boost their confidence and gives them a sense of their accomplishments,” Smith emphasized.
Currently, the show only features work from high school students, but Smith hopes to include middle school students in future shows. Donations from community members are always appreciated, and funds will go towards purchasing supplies and developing students’ skills.
VENDOR MARKET AND PERRY’S BBQ
Another fantastic opportunity for local small business owners to get involved was the vendor market. Participating in local markets such as this helps participants promote business exposure, increase sales and build new client relationships while knowing the cost of the space goes directly back into supporting the school and students.
The vendors featured clothing, 3D printed projects, books, spa products, gifts, Tupperware, cups, and more. When attendants were hungry, there was a wide variety of affordable salty or sweet food options, including treats like cookies, pickles, pies and dirty sodas and delicious wood-smoked BBQ from Perry’s BBQ and Catering.
Representing 1st Baptist Church of Trezevant, Tracy Halford was promoting their upcoming Spaghetti Supper and Silent Auction to support their Jesus Summer Jam on June 22. Colton Dixon will be the headlining artist with performances by Rare of Breed and Mayce Mitchell. Tickets are available now.
Youth Villages was also present to help educate prospective foster parents about how they can get involved in solving Tennessee’s foster care deficit. Foster Parent Recruiting and Engagement Specialist, April Perry, passionately described all the ways potential parents can get involved. One major program she discussed allows foster parents to pursue adoption after six continuous months with a child who has been involved in long-term placement.
“May is National Foster Care Month, and we will be celebrating via hosting different events and reaching out to different businesses to promote fostering within the community,” Perry explained. If someone is unable to commit to a long-term fostering program, Perry also explained other methods of helping improve the foster care system through volunteering, respite programs, and mentorships along with direct donations to Youth Villages.
Mary Hale of Mary’s Got It was selling sewn and handcrafted items, smiling brightly at everyone who passed her booth. “If I ain’t got it, you’re gonna need it!” she exclaimed. Her pickles and pies were also a major attraction. Homemade Crafts and Treats by Stacy was selling various craft products like her handmade cherry pit thermal wraps and offering options for custom orders.
Author Jerry Moore was present, with copies of all his novels and the opportunity for an author signing. In the spirit of family engagement, his daughter was also present with a side table selling handmade jewelry. His novel “The Chronicles of the Lost Heroes: The New World,” discusses his time in the military and after he completed his service. Beth Bodwell, a PaperPie brand partner, was also selling books and activity sets for children of all ages.
Katt Prichard with Kattatonic Kreations was present selling 3D-printed fidget toys, and Gina Abbott of WB Vintage Designs had a pop-up retail shop, while Shelbi and Jake Mayo of Doodles and Dough sold a wide variety of sourdough products and other baked goods. Representing Lemongrass Spa Products, Dorcas Wengerd and Lisandra Swarey sold a variety of clean skincare and beauty products.
Hickory wood smoke left a delicious aroma from Perry’s BBQ and Catering throughout the school, encouraging everyone to grab a plate for lunch. They offered a special menu with different plates and offered their full menu as well.
Principal Adam Douglas spoke about this event being WCJSHS’s first-ever Spring Showcase. “It is a really awesome event just to showcase our students and some of the great things we are doing here at West Carroll,” Dr. Douglas said.
RTI Interventionist Keisha Jackson described how the vendor market allows out-of-town vendors to see firsthand how much the local community supports students and WCSSD. “If this is successful, it can become an annual event,” Jackson stated.
